A relative of Winnie-the-Pooh best friend’s Eeyore has become a big hit with residents of care homes in Carmarthenshire.

In fact, Enoch, an all grey 22-year-old donkey, has been such a charming hit with the residents at Llanybydder’s Allt-y-Mynydd care home they are voting for him to become the UK’s Donkey Ambassador, a prestigious national award made annually.

Enoch meanders round the home with his minder Ann Slater in and out of resident’s rooms to be hugged, stroked and kissed by his adoring fans.

Enoch was introduced to the home by Ann’s company Animal Assisted Therapy Wales (AAT), based at Llandeilo, and has become a regular visitor county wide to hospitals, day centre’s, nursing homes, schools, shows, events, nativities and parades since he was acquired from the Devon Donkey Sanctuary 10 years ago.

Roberta Evans, social activities officer at Allt-y-Mynydd, said: “Enoch switches on residents smiles as soon as he enters the room. Many of our residents have dementia and Enoch helps to stimulate the minds.

“Enoch is amazing. He clearly loves the attention and is so well behaved. He gets kisses, pats and hugs and twizzles his ears around to have them stroked.”

A retired science school teacher of 30 years, 90-year-old resident Brian Pritchard said: “Enoch makes my day. He is an amazing animal. We are blessed at this fantastic home to have him and his stable-mate Polo visit us so often because they live nearby.”

Carmarthenshire county executive board member for social care and health Cllr Jane Tremlett said we have 32 residential homes across the county and 1.300 beds. “There are so many bold and inspirational ideas incorporated into the home’s resident’s daily lives providing magical moments like these donkey visits.”

Stanley Pitt, calling in to see his wife and care home resident Jean, who suffers from dementia, said: “Jean just lights up when she sees Enoch. It is wonderful to see the stimulation and interaction between this incredible donkey and the residents.”

Mrs Slater who set up Animal Assisted Therapy said Enoch, a fostered donkey, had been recommended for therapy work by the Donkey Sanctuary for his remarkably tolerant behaviour around children and people of all ages.

She said: “Almost anyone can benefit from donkey therapy young or old. We have had some especially positive outcomes from young people with autism and older folk with dementia following Enoch’s visits.

“Enoch is currently undertaking an Active Donkey Award which means he has to succeed at eight activities. If he keeps that up for five years he is short-listed for the prestigious Donkey Ambassador for the UK award.

If you would like further information or would like to contact the sanctuary email: info@animalassistedtherapywales.co.uk or visitanimalassistedtherapywales.wordpress.com.